2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fan switch or resistor?

[SPrusak]

My fan decided to quit working for a while the other day, A/C would just kinda seep out but no blower motor working. I kinda pushed on the selector knob and it started working again, but it would jump between high and the almost high speed while I was driving.



Well today (@90* outside) it decided to stop working completely and will not kick back on at all. I checked the fuse and it's fine. Before I go and tear the blower motor out of the dash to get at the resistor, whats the general thought, resistor, motor or switch?



Also, how does that damn switch come apart? I got the plugs, the vac. lines, but I can;t get it to split where it appears that it should. Is it even serviceable at all, or do I need to find a whole switch panel?





Thanks,

Steve

 

[Thomas]

Since you posted in a 2nd generation forum, I'm guessing that you have a 1994-2002 Cummins/Ram.

Before you tear out the dash, be aware that the model year 2000 Factory Service Manual states:

The blower motor resistor is mounted to the bottom
of the HVAC housing, under the instrument
panel and just inboard of the blower motor. It can be​

accessed without removing any other components.

 

[SPrusak]

oh, I thought it was still in my signature, I have a 99 Ram 3500, quad cab

 

[SPrusak]

so... then it's the resistor?

 

[BigPapa]

I'm on my 4th blower motor. Never replaced a resistor or had problems with the switch. Next time it doesn't work, try whacking the motor itself under the dash. If it comes on, it's the motor.



Scott

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I know you mentioned jiggling the switch and getting a pulse so the switch could be it. If I remember its a fairly hefty switch printed into the PC card that is the heater control panel I think you could 'adjust' the wiper contact on the switch for better contact. As for whacking the motor - that's me. I'm gonna hafta drop the motor and douse it in silicon spray cause a motor that needs whacking is usu. a motor with a brush spring hanging up!!:-laf

 

[DieselDoghouse]

BTW don't whack it too hard 'cause them motors ain't cheap!!!

 

[DPapworth]

The blower motor resistor is in the ground line of the motor. It is bypassed by the switch when the blower speed is set to the high position. So if the blower does not run at all in ANY speed, the problem cannot be the blower motor resistor.

Try turning the dash lights on. Does the illumination for the blower speed switch work? At least for 1995, the ground for the illumination is the same as the ground for the switch itself. (One way to test the ground path).

 

[CNeubauer]

My blower motor quit working a couple years ago and it turned out to be a bad connection at the juction block down by the brake pedal. I replaced the switch and blower motor before finding the real problem and the switch is only available as a whole assembly which runs close to $200 so I'd rule everything else out before trying that.

 

[jkidd]

I resoldered the resistor. works now

 

[Forrest Nearing]

my blower motor needs a kick most of the times to start working